Levi's GranFondo FAQ

Levi's GranFondo: Event Details

WHAT IS LEVI'S GRANFONDO?

Levi’s GranFondo is both a challenging and competitive mass start cycling event hosting riders of all ability levels from around the world. It began in 2009 with the inaugural ride hosting 3,500 participants and is the brainchild of former professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer. Levi donates 100% of his time to the event that bears his name so that our community and the charities that benefit from your registration fees and fundraising can thrive.

Levi’s GranFondo is heralded as one of the best organized cycling events in the world by sources such as Red Kite Prayer, Road Bike Action, and Outside Online.

WHEN IS LEVI’S GRANFONDO?

Registration

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY?

An unforgettable experience from a grand day on the bike with Levi Leipheimer, other pro riders, and thousands of your new friends

A fully timed road course with an adventurous dirt option

Partial road closures on the first 25 miles and traffic control afterwards

A series of fully stocked rest stops with amazing food and friendly service

A GranFondo gift bag at registration

A Levi’s GranFondo commemorative t-shirt

A hot shower after your ride

A lovingly crafted, post-ride meal from any one of our multiple local food vendors, and either a cold beer or non-alcoholic beverage

The exceptional post-ride Sonoma VITA Festival with music and great entertainment

ARE THERE AGE LIMITS?

Yes. Any minor under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The legal guardian must be present to sign for their minor and must agree to accompany them during the ride.

IS THE RIDE TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

The ride itself is nottax-deductible, because it is a tangible, exchangeable item. If you’re looking for a tax deduction, consider making your way into the ride through donating or fundraising for at-risk youth! Raise $1,000 and receive free registration.

IF I DROP OUT OF THE RIDE, CAN I DONATE MY REGISTRATION FEE TO THE KING RIDGE FOUNDATION?

Yes, we can help you do this (minus the transfer fee), just email us registration@bikemonkey.net with your full first and last name and email address. Please note that if you send this request between Tuesday, 10/2 and Monday, 10/7, we will take note of it, but since we’ll be focused on staging our fabulous ride, we won’t be able to get back to you until Tuesday, 10/9. Thanks for your understanding.

WHAT IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR LEVI’S GRANFONDO?

Although we recommend registering as early as possible, you can register right up until 8:00 AM on the day of the ride.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST?

We do not have a waiting list for any of our routes. Transfers begin at the beginning of July, so we recommend checking our Facebook page for people needing to sell their ride. However, we do provide one more way to get a ticket for any of the three routes: fundraise $1,000 to receive a free entry, accompanied by other incentives.

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ARE THERE REFUNDS, DEFERRALS, OR TRANSFERS?

No. There are no refunds or deferrals to subsequent rides.

If you have paid for registration and can’t make the ride, you can donate your registration fee to the King Ridge Foundation by sending us an email to registration@bikemonkey.net.

There are transfers to another participant, however. There will a be transfer fee, depending on how close to the GranFondo the transfer happens. The transfer period begins around mid-summer and closes about a week before the GranFondo event date.

PACKET PICKUP

Packet pickup refers to showing up in person to get your rider packet, t-shirt and swag bag. You must do this in person. No one else can do it for you. You must be the one who signs the waiver and shows your photo ID. We’ll have bike industry exhibitors onsite, and our GranFondo merchandise booth will be in full swing. And yes, we make Levi do this too. No exceptions!

The ride

IS THERE A COMPREHENSIVE RIDER GUIDE FOR THE EVENT? HOW DO I ACCESS THE RIDER GUIDE?

We work hard each year to provide the most up-to-date, pertinent information for our riders. It comes complete with information regarding a schedule of events, routes, parking, staging, road closures, course signage, rest stops, bib number placement, and the like. If you have registered for Levi’s GranFondo, expect a Rider Guide to land in your email in-box approximately two weeks prior to the day of the event.

WHEN DOES THE RIDE START?

The ride starts at 8:00 AM for all routes. Note that if you’re staged at the back, it can sometimes take upwards of 20 minutes before you actually start rolling. Location:A Place to Play, Santa Rosa CA.

WHAT IF I SHOW UP LATE?

The start is at 8:00 a.m. SHARP. Don’t be late, because if you want an official time, you must start with the pack. Road closures flow with the pack. There are cutoffs on some routes.

WHEN DOES THE RIDE END?

The course is officially CLOSED at 6:00 PM. Finishing times will not be recorded after 6:00 PM. The Festival also closes at this time. We recommend choosing a route that allows you to both enjoy a ride within the limits of your ability and the post-ride meal, beverage and camaraderie at the Festival. It is not uncommon for even the most experienced riders to choose a shorter route in order to leave more time for post-ride festivities.

WILL I GET A CUE SHEET OR TURN-BY-TURN MAP FOR MY CHOSEN ROUTE?

No. Simply put, we don’t think you’ll need one. Our idea of an amazing time on the bike does not consist of fishing around your jersey pocket as you constantly wonder how far off the course you may have gotten. We’ve signed every turn, every hazard, and every route split with every sign you may need to find your way around any of our routes. It should be noted that our hazard signs are erected by experienced cyclists with decades of local knowledge.

IS THE EVENT TIMED?

Yes. It is important to note that, strictly speaking, Levi’s GranFondo is not a race. However, participants will be given a timing chip that attaches to their bikes that records how long it takes them to complete the course. We will not be posting a rider’s place, just times, again this is not a race.

ARE THERE CUTOFF TIMES? / IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?

YES. There are cutoff times to ensure your safety. Due to the lack of available daylight hours in the fall, we have found it mandatory to enforce cutoff times in order to assure available SAG support throughout the ride. You will have until 6:00 PM to complete the entire route. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the riders in the back of the staging area to cross the start line. Because of this, all riders will have between 9.5 and 10 hours to complete any given course and still have their time recorded.

9:45 AM at Cazadero Highway and 116: 15 MPH Average speed required. Slower than this and you have to take The Medio Route.

10:00 AM at Fort Ross Road: 14.5 MPH Average speed required. Slower than this and you have to take The Fort Route.

11:15 AM at Tin Barn Road: 14 MPH Average speed required. Slower than this and you have to take The Gran Route.

6:00 PM COURSE CLOSED: The course is officially CLOSED at 6:00 PM. All rider support ends after this time. You must be done with your ride by 6:00 PM. Finishing times will not be recorded after 6:00 PM. Sonoma VITA remains open, serving food and beverage, until 7:00 PM.

WHY IS THERE A CUTOFF?

The mandatory cutoff for the Gran route is above all, a safety issue. Having riders out on the course, far from the finish, at sunset is not only a visibility issue, but also one of fatigue and discomfort for the rider. Beyond the safety issue, we hope to provide an enjoyable GranFondo experience which includes not only a fun, challenging day on their bike, but also taking in our post-ride Sonoma VITA Festival, having a meal and/or a beer with new friends, and not struggling through a prohibitively difficult ride for the entirety of daylight hours.

CAN I RIDE A SHORTER ROUTE THAN THE ONE FOR WHICH I REGISTERED?

Yes. If you’ve registered for a longer route and decide, for whatever reason, to ride a shorter route on the day of the event, please do so. For example, if you’ve registered to ride the 103 mile Gran route, you may decide to ride the Medio. It is a spectacular route. Likewise, a Medio registered rider can ride down to the Piccolo. However, we cannot allow riders to ride a longer route than the one for which they have registered.

If you know in advance that you want to swap or transfer your spot, see our refunds section.

CAN I RIDE A LONGER ROUTE THAN THE ONE FOR WHICH I REGISTERED?

No, not if you make this decision on the day of event.*

The cost associated with riding the GranFondo is much more than just the cost of food along the route, and for this reason “poaching” is not allowed and is well monitored.

*If you are already registered for a route of Levi’s GranFondo and would like to upgrade to a longer route, you may do so prior to event day. The upgrade will be treated as a transfer, and you will incur transfer fees. Please see our refunds section for details.

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE MAY I RIDE IN THE GRANFONDO?

At Levi’s GranFondo, safety must reign supreme. We need to know that everyone is operating at the same level of visibility and maneuverability as a pack of thousands move forward at speed, shoulder-to-shoulder with each other.

While mountain bikes and two-wheeled recumbents are generally not a problem, velomobiles, trikes, and non-two-wheeled recumbents represent a departure from this standard and for this reason, we do not allow them. Anything outside of what we’ve mentioned here is strictly not allowed. We need everyone at their best, both in the way they operate their own bikes and in the way they interact with other cyclists.

Non-standard wheel sizes also present a big risk as these roads are, at times, chock-full of cracks or potholes and anything smaller than what we’ve normally planned for can present a risk to you and those around you. Potholes and irregularities introduced by Sonoma County’s dynamic, earthquake-prone (i.e. mobile) landscape have a much easier time taking down somebody with smaller wheels. Be aware of this.

CAN I RIDE WITH AERO BARS?

No, we do not allow aero bars for several reasons, the main one being they aren't safe in large groups because of the diminished handling capability. Aero bars wouldn’t be helpful to you on a course like this anyway. Using them on the flatter stretches in the pack is touchy at best and dangerous at worst (not to mention redundant), when riding with thousands of other cyclists providing a wind break.

CAN I RIDE AN E-BIKE?

Yes, you can ride an electric bicycle (e-bike) at Levi's GranFondo, but some restrictions apply. Only pedal assist e-bikes are allowed; throttle assist e-bikes are not allowed. You are responsible for making sure your battery will last long enough for the route of your choice and you will be staged in the back.

ARE TRAILERS, TRAIL-A-BIKES, AND BIKE SEATS ALLOWED?

Yes, on the 8 mile family route only. Trailers, trail-a-bikes, and bike seats are not allowed on any other route, due to the safety concerns of riding in a large group of people.

SHOULD I USE CARBON WHEELS?

Thousands of people have ridden our route successfully on both carbon and aluminum rims. Due to the variance’s in construction methods and technologies used between different carbon rim manufacturers, it is impossible for us to make the call for you. Our route certainly is hilly, and depending on your riding style, could create demanding conditions for any rim. We recommend riding that with which you are most familiar.

WHAT SIZE/TYPE OF TIRES DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Like the discussion on wheel types, tire types and sizes vary in construction, performance, and, therefore, preference. Generally speaking, this is a road ride that takes place on all–or mostly, if you choose to add a gravel section to a route–paved roads of varying conditions. There are potholes and cracks and smooth pavement alike. These are public roads, after all. Most riders have generally chosen to ride standard wheel sizes and tires with widths from 23mm–32mm. Ultimately, however, the choice is up to you, as you best know your abilities and typical riding style. We can say, though, that the gravel sections of our routes are typically mellow and rideable–that is, they are definitely not single track and do not generally require large, mountain bike tires.

WHAT TYPE OF CLIMATE SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE GRANFONDO? WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Levi’s GranFondo will take place rain or shine. Autumn in Sonoma County is generally mild, but routes can span over 100 miles over several hours. Our past rides have been known to start with early morning fog, with some heat on the hills, followed by cool, coastal winds, with the likelihood of hotter weather in the afternoon. We recommend being prepared with layered clothing.

CAN I RIDE WITH HEADPHONES DURING THE EVENT?

We advise against them, but do not strictly ban them.

WHO IS THIS RIDE FOR ANYWAY?

It is for EVERYBODY. For professional cyclists, this is an opportunity to stretch your legs in an event that fosters competition in a relaxed environment. While this is a timed course over epic terrain with peloton dynamics, it is devoid of the pressure created by television cameras, roaring crowds, and a director sportif yelling in your ear. Let this represent a return to your love of cycling: epic landscapes, grueling terrain, and rich camaraderie with your peers. Take some time out from your race schedule to experience the best professional cycling has to offer to the best professional cyclists.

For recreational cyclists, this is your chance to ride with some giants along a route long celebrated for its intensity and beauty. While the way is long and steep, there is fixed and roving support, including repairs, food, and water. If you’ve long wanted to roll along the elegant coastal hills of Sonoma County, you won’t get a better chance than this.

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Getting to the start line

WILL THERE BE BREAKFAST PROVIDED BEFORE THE START?

No. We recommend having breakfast before coming to the start line. Taylor Lane will be offering coffee, but we do not traditionally offer breakfast items. We will have food prepared for all rest stops and of course, Gerard’s Paella and other fabulous offerings will await you at the post-ride Festival post-ride.

IS THERE A SECURE PLACE TO STORE MY THINGS WHILE I RIDE?

Yes. We offer a bag check for all riders the morning of the ride. Bags are available for pick up just after the finish line, so that you may have what you need post-ride easily at your disposal.

IS THERE RV OVERNIGHT PARKING OR CAMPING AVAILABLE?

No, unfortunately, we are not set up for overnight RV parking or camping at Old Courthouse Square. We recommend you check the following links to find a spot near Santa Rosa:

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT BIKE RENTALS?

Yes. There is a variety of bike shops in Santa Rosa. A quick Google search will help you locate every bike shop in the area, most of all of them have a fleet of bike rentals that you can try out during the Fondo.

CAN I SHIP MY BIKE TO LEVI'S GRANFONDO?

Yes, you can ship your bike to Levi's GranFondo. We've partnered up with BikeFlights to make it easy for you. Visit their event page to find out more about how it works.

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Official Merchandise

WHERE CAN I BUY OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE?

You can get Sonoma VITA and Levi's GranFondo official merchandise online here or directly at the event. Look for the "Merchandise" area at both the Expo (Friday) and the Festival (Saturday + Sunday).

I HAVE ORDERED MERCHANDISE THROUGH REGISTRATION, WHERE AND WHEN CAN I PICK IT UP?

All pre-ordered merchandise will need to be picked up directly at the event, either at Packet Pickup from 11 am to 10 pm on Friday 10/5 or at the Merchandise Tent from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday 10/6. Please bring your ID and our team will take care of you.

If you are local and wish to pick up your order ahead of time at our office in Railroad Square, shoot us an email at orders@bikemonkey.net to coordinate and day and a time for you to stop by.

ARE THERE EXCHANGES FOR MERCHANDISE?

Yes. We want you to be totally satisfied.

Pre-ordered jerseys and other clothing items are exchangeable as long as they have not been worn. You can either return them by mail and pay a small amount to cover return postage, or exchange them at the event. Exchanges are limited to stock on hand. There are no refunds.

Please contact us at info@sonomavita.com so we can calculate the return postage amount. We will need to know what it is that you will be exchanging and where it is going.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

RULES

BE CAREFUL

Many of the roads are challenging and technical, especially after passing through the town of Occidental. Be extremely careful riding your bicycle. There are places along all of the available routes where people have injured themselves very badly because they have gone into a turn too fast or had a lapse in their attention. If you do not slow yourself soon enough before turns, you could find yourself descending some sections of road well beyond the speed limit. This is not safe. The turns on these roads are very sharp, very sudden, and occasionally have a decreasing radius (that means they get steeper and harder as you enter them). They are also rugged, with potholes and cattle guards that you will have to navigate. Do not underestimate how difficult this ride will be, both in terms of the fitness it will require and the bike handling ability it demands of you.

The Gran route is not recommended for inexperienced riders. We don’t suggest this as your first century. Hoo boy.

A HELMET AND A BIKE

Yes, you need both of these in order to participate in Levi’s GranFondo. Neither are optional. Sorry. Both should be in reliable working order so that you don’t pose a danger to yourself or others when you drop a chain, blow a rim, or even eject a water bottle from a too-loose cage.

STAY RIGHT

Many of the roads you will ride are very narrow, with no center line. They will be shared with vehicular traffic. Please ride to the right when in narrow sections of road. While CHP, medical, and official support vehicles will be along for the ride and working at intersections, many of the GranFondo roads are not closed and there will be occasional non-event vehicles traveling with and against you. While traffic on these roads is minimal, it is still there. It only takes one.

Additionally, riding in the middle of the road absent motor vehicle traffic can still cause unsafe conditions for other, faster riders. Regardless of how fast you think you’re going, someone is pretty much always coming up behind you. Get over to the right as far as safety allows and let the faster flow pass you by. It’s better for them and it’s better for you.

RIDE COURTEOUSLY

We are conducting this event on some of the most remote roads in our county. Nevertheless, these roads pass through working landscapes and those who use these roads require your respect and courtesy. Residents along these routes are made aware of the event, but this many cyclists using these roads at one time is an anomaly. Please be courteous to drivers and let them pass by moving to the right whenever it is reasonably safe to do so.

DO NOT LITTER

If you are seen throwing garbage or trash, gel packs, inner tubes, or any other disposable items onto the ground, you will be fined for littering. In California, this fine for littering is as much as $2,000 per occurrence. We will not be cleaning up after you.

ENFORCEMENT

We will enforce all of these rules in order to ensure rider safety. There’s always a few people in any large group of cyclists who, for one reason or another, disobey the rules of the road. In a ride this big and challenging, there can be serious consequences to this sort of recklessness; some could even be fatal. On-bicycle event marshals, motorcycles, and SAG staff will be riding with you to offer the best and safest experience possible. They will also ensure that all of these rules are being followed. If these rules are broken, you will be disqualified and not permitted to return next year.

CONDUCT

If, at any time, you treat others with disrespect, including staff, fellow riders, course marshals, motorcycle drivers, sag, tech support, or anyone else, you will be disqualified and not permitted to return next year.

ENJOY YOURSELF

Levi’s GranFondo is said to be one of the most enjoyable cycling events in the United States. We are very proud of this, and want you to leave as ecstatic about the event as we are to produce it. If you follow these rules, keep your head up, and treat others like you’d like to treated, you will leave with one very memorable experience.

REFUNDS AND DEFERRALS

Unfortunately, the GranFondo cannot offer refunds or deferrals to following years for those unable to attend the event. We do however, allow transfers between two parties for a fee, starting in mid-summer and ending approximately one week prior to the GranFondo.

TRANSFER DATES, DEADLINES, AND RULES

Online registration transfers are $25 and will close on Wednesday, October 3rd at 10:00 pm. You will need to pick up your packet at "Same Day Registration" if you USE your transfer code to register after Wednesday, October 3rd at 12:00 pm.

On site transfers will be on Friday the eve of the ride only, between 11:00 am and 10:00 pm. ABSOLUTELY NO onsite transfers on Saturday morning. Read the below information regarding the information you will need to have with you. On site transfer fee $50.

No transfer can exceed the original cost of the ride purchased, i.e. no Medio route can be sold from one participant to another for a Gran route. Any transfer exceeding the amount for the route in question will not be honored. Transfers only apply to your ride. That means that merchandise you may have purchased does not transfer. We do not handle any money transfer of the original entry fee. That is up to the two individuals to work out. Many choose to use services such as PayPal to do this.

Anyone looking to secure a transfer can do so through a variety of means, the most promising being our Facebook page. Hundreds of people have secured transfers there happily and painlessly.

TRANSFERS: Transfers take place when a person who was not registered acquires the spot of someone who is registered. The person selling the spot must be the one filling out the transfer form. To complete the transfer form you will need the following:

Original rider’s name, Original rider’s email address, Original rider’s 9-digit registration ID (see rider’s email confirmation). If you need this information sent to you again, please contact info@sonomavita.com.

SWAPS: A swap is when two people are already registered for different routes and want to switch with each other. Either party may fill out the form, but generally it is the person who is upgrading that would fill out the form and pay the $25 fee.

To complete the Swap form you will need the following:

Both riders’ names, both riders’ email addresses, both riders’ original rider’s 9-digit registration ID (see rider’s email confirmation). If you need this information sent to you again, please contact info@sonomavita.com.

DOWNGRADING: You can always ride a shorter route than the one for which you are registered. If you know that you are going to ride a shorter route ahead of time and would like us to officially move you to that route, then email info@sonomavita.com. Email us with your full name and the 9 digit Registration ID from your registration confirmation along with the route you would like to ride and we will be happy to change it for you.

SELF-UPGRADING: There is no “self-upgrading” your existing registration to a longer route (Piccolo to Medio, Medio to Gran, etc.) If the route is sold out already, see TRANSFERS or SWAPS above. If the route is not sold out, contact info@sonomavita.com.

RE-TRANSFERRING: Got lucky and found a transfer, then your husband told you you had a wedding to attend that day? Follow the same transfer procedure as normal but use the Registration ID and information of the person who currently has the entry. DO NOT enter the person’s information who had it originally.

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